A giant in size and importance 3 A giant in size and importance Get to know Prasat Nakhon Luang, with its historical architecture unlike any other in Ayutthaya, and you might find it interesting enough to be the first place to visit once inter-provincial travel restrictions are lifted published : 14 Jan 2021 at 04:00 3 Prasat Nakhon Luang is one of the largest examples of historical architecture in Ayutthaya. Its role in the politics of the old Siamese kingdom that the province was named after was as immense as its size. Built in 1631, not long after King Prasat Thong took to the throne and established a new dynasty, Prasat Nakhon Luang is located near the Pa Sak River, which was the main travel route between Ayutthaya and the highly revered Buddha’s Footprint in Saraburi. It was meant to be a stopover for the king during his visits to the sacred site. According to historical records, King Prasat Thong had Prasat Nakhon Luang built using the grand monuments in the capital of the Khmer kingdom, which at that time was under Ayutthaya’s control, as models. From the plan and remains of the main elements, the general design seemed like a mix of Angkor Wat and Baphuon Temple, which is located in Angkor Thom. Perhaps, or perhaps not, that could have been where the resemblance ended. With much of the original structures on the upper levels crumbled and therefore can no longer be seen, not to mention the decorative details, let’s leave the issue to academics. However, one obvious difference is the main building materials. While those Khmer monuments were constructed with laterite and sandstone, Prasat Nakhon Luang was made with bricks. Many believe that the structure was never completed. Its current version is the result of renovations made during the Rattanakosin Period, in the reigns of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and King Bhumibol (Rama IX).